Freda was my mother Ellen's sister. One of the six daughters and one son of Gilbert and Elizabeth Halcrow who moved to Glenorie, Sydney, from the Shetland Islands in 1919. My mother spoke of her love of Freda often, and how they were thought of as twins when they were young. She spoke of how they spent their childhoods playing together. She would tell me how they were 'always playing in trees, hanging upside down from the highest branches'. They had a special relationship which endured all their lives. So, it doesn't surprise me that Freda left this world a week after my mother passed away. Although open to interpretation, I like to think of this as a continuation of their closest in life. Freda was multi-talented - a keen sports person, a lover of golf in her adult years, tennis as a younger person. She was a proficient pianist and a remarkable cook. She had endearing mannerisms for which she was loved by many - her twinkling eyes, her sharp wit, her lively laugh and of course her kind and generous nature. I remember fondly my many visits her Parramatta home, where she lived from her teenage years through to her retirement. As a small child I would have sleep-overs there, sleeping in the front enclosed porch. I found being away from my home rather frightening, even though I badgered my mother to let me stay there. As I slept I would be wakened by the lights of the traffic arcing across the darkened room, a very different experience to my own quiet bedroom at my home. Those lights terrified me but I do remember being aware of Freda being in the next room, being comforted by that thought, and wanting to stay there again because I loved her dearly. I believe this love stemmed naturally from my mother's love for her all sisters. Freda fascinated me though. She was always happy cooking, an area that, in my large family, was often one of rush and bustle. But for Freda, maybe because she didn't have a hungry family to feed, she appeared both happy and relaxed, laughing and chatting, as she cooked. I love those memories of her. I still try to make scones like she did with her delft hand, but as yet I haven't mastered that tricky art. My mother spoke of Freda having an excellent ear for music. I remember when my brother Greg and I put her ear for music to the test when we asked her to play the newly released song, "Raindrops are Falling on My Head' . Freda hadn't heard of the song, so she asked us to hum the tune. We did, she listened carefully, head tilted towards us. She tinkered the keys until, remarkably, she started to play it, and then she was off, playing the tune just as it should be played with us singing along happily. I remember thinking she was the best! Magical! Later in life, I was inspired me to learn to play the piano myself - just in case I might possess a little of that talent. But sadly, no, it wasn't to be and I have to rely on printed music, which we know isn't a real musical talent, just practice. But Freda's music skills were her natural talent and quite remarkable. The Halcrow children were all remarkable. A talented family I kind of wish I could have known personally, not just as a niece, as I think they all would have been a fun-loving bunch to mix with, Just imagine going to the beach with them, wearing one of their beautiful home-made swim-suits, and a big hat in those more relaxed Sydney days. What fun! My mother spoke of Freda as being an excellent dancer. She spoke of how she would have a queue of men wanting to dance with her. I'm sure that nature rhythm, her warm charismatic nature, her infectious laugh, and her keen sense of humour all contributed to ensuring she was a very popular on the dance floor. My mother said many men wanted to marry her but that she just didn't find Mr Right. Still, she enjoyed her single life, supported by her sister Janet, and her sisters Ada and Phyllis who all lived a short walk from each other for most of their lives. My mother said she could always rely on Freda to come and help her when she was needed most - for birthday parties, for unexpected accidents - she was a support to my busy mother. So, Aunty Freda, you have been loved by all who knew you, and we'll miss you always.